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 The
Institute of Oriental Philosophy
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Exhibitions |  |
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The
Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) is honored to host the
exhibition “The
Lotus Sutra―A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence” (see gallery
below). This exhibition has been planned and produced by the IOP and is
co-sponsored by the Soka Gakkai. The IOP, founded in January 1962 by Daisaku Ikeda (also president of the Soka Gakkai International), marked its 50th anniversary last year. The IOP has been dedicated to the research of oriental philosophy at large, and in particular, Buddhist thought and philosophy, by conducting integrated research between fields of academic studies with the aim to contribute to the development of solutions to global issues facing humanity. The core of the IOP’s activities is research of the Lotus Sutra―Mahayana Buddhism’s principal sutra. Commissioned by the Soka Gakkai, the institute is also engaged in publishing precious and valuable manuscripts of the Lotus Sutra that have been archived in various regions around the world. Launching our project with the publishing of the Sanskrit Lotus Sutra Manuscript from the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SI P/5, etc.), Facsimile Edition and Romanized Text in 1997, the IOP has so far published 15 items of the Lotus Sutra Manuscripts Series, including the Gilgit Lotus Sutra Manuscripts form the National Archives of India, which were completed in July this year, winning wide and favorable recognition. While introducing how Buddhism, which originated in India, spread widely across Asia and other parts of the world, the exhibition highlights the history of the importance given to the Lotus Sutra, amongst other sutras, and explains why it has been widely accepted by diverse ethnic groups over a long period in history. The exhibit also focuses on the message of peace and coexistence as taught in the Lotus Sutra. On display will be facsimile editions and romanized texts of the Lotus Sutra Manuscript Series including other important documents and items related to the Lotus Sutra that have been presented to Daisaku Ikeda from institutions and individuals around the world. Nothing will give us greater joy than for our visitors to appreciate how the Lotus Sutra began to be practiced widely, its universality and significance in the modern day. Our profoundest gratitude goes to the Dunhuang Academy, China, the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the International Academy of Indian Culture, who have kindly approved of our reproducing valuable manuscripts, murals and other materials for this exhibition. We also express our deepest appreciation to all other institutes and individuals for the tremendous support they have rendered us for the realization of the exhibit. The Institute of Oriental Philosophy Soka Gakkai |
